ABILENE – McMurry heads to Texas Lutheran this weekend with the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship likely on the line.
 
The War Hawks have a half-game lead on TLU atop the SCAC standings. A McM win on Saturday would give TLU its second loss in the conference and give McMurry the luxury of needing just one more win in the last three games to clinch at least a tie for the title.
 
McMurry Storylines
 
CAPTAINS: This week's official captains are sophomore quarterback Jess Hoel, senior running back Drew Hagler, senior linebacker Herman Lee and junior defensive lineman Dorian Leblanc.
 
TURNOVER: McMurry leads the SCAC and is eighth nationally in fumbles recovered, first in the SCAC and 14th in Division III with 10 interceptions. The War Hawks are second nationally with 18 turnovers gained and sixth nationally with a 1.5 turnover margin. Noah Hatcher first in the SCAC and 25th nationally with 0.33 fumble forced per game and Timothy Leatherman is second in the conference with three interceptions.
 
MORE DEFENSE: The War Hawk defense leads the SCAC in the major defensive categories: passing yards allowed (167.3), rushing yards allowed (81.7) and scoring defense (12.7).
 
INSIDE ENEMY LINES: Kane Strohman has made his presence felt on defense, getting beyond the line of scrimmage for big stops. He is first in the SCAC and 16th nationally with 1.08 sacks per game and first in the SCAC and fifth nationally with 2.3 tackles for loss per game.
 
IN PASSING: Jess Hoel leads the SCAC in completion percentage (66.7), completions per game (19.33), passing efficiency (155.4) passing touchdowns (13), total offense (260) and passing yards (1,423).
 
TRIPLE THREAT: The receiving corps has been impressive. Kristopher Martin, who is in the McM all-time top five in receptions and receiving yards, is first in the conference with 518 yards and 86.3 yards per game. Kason O'Shields leads the SCAC with 22.08 yards per reception. Thomas Chandler and O'Shields are tied for second in the SCAC with four TDs each.
 
SCORING STREAK: McMurry has scored in 45 consecutive games, dating back to a loss against top-ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2019. The record is 97 consecutive games, which ended in 2005.
 
MASSEY SAYS: The Massey Ratings, a computer-generated predictor, has been 4-2 this season in its McMurry picks. The computer picks the War Hawks to lose Saturday, 27-24, and finish the season at 7-3.
 
RECENT HISTORY: McMurry defeated Texas Lutheran 31-10 in Abilene on Sept. 21. Jess Hoel threw for three touchdowns in the win.
 
SCOUTING TLU: The Bulldogs haven't lost since falling in Abilene and come in at 5-1 overall and 4-1 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Caden Bosanko has passed for 1,015 yards, completing 57 percent of his passes while also rushing for 343 yards. Weston Guzman leads the team with 398 yards rushing. Troy Tomaselli has 33 tackles.